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Last thing I needed was the town sheriff showing up here with reports that I’d been wielding a gun.

Dude was not a fan, and he made it no secret that he would have the lot of us behind bars the first chance he got.

My attention prowled over the area as I edged down the stairs. Gaze digging through the shadowy, statuesque trees that lined the perimeter.

A breeze blew through, and I lifted my nose to it like I might be able to scent any vileness radiating back.

Maybe I could.

Maybe I could taste the corruption on my tongue.

The way a tremor rolled down my spine as I listened to the draft whistling through the tall spires of the pines.

An ominous shiver rolling through the forest.

I stalked across the parking lot, making a loop, eyes tuned into the dusky hollows of the woods. Searching through the trunks like I might be able to make out the form of depravity woven within.

Nerves unsettled, I made two circuits, finding absolutely nothing but somehow knowing the threat wasn’t far.

A warning given of what was to come.

I turned and stormed back toward the exterior stairs, just needing to get Elena in my line of sight.

Terrified that she’d be sucked into the atrocities again. Punished for the name and affiliation she bore.

I wouldn’t let it happen.

I’d never fail her again the way that I had.

I hit the top landing and let my gaze skate across the lot once more before I pulled my phone out and clicked back into the thread.

Me

Area is clear.

Silas

Good. Lock up tight for the night.

Me

Plan on it.

I was pulling out my key when another text blipped through.

Brody

You want me to come sit? Rager happening at the club tonight. Think it’d do your surly ass good to blow off some steam.

Phoenix

Is Brody actually offering to pass up pussy?

Brody

Figured Trevan needed some, is all. I’m a good, thoughtful friend like that. Besides, just had two bunnies ten minutes ago.

Of course, he had.